How to Design a Custom Bumper Sticker or Car Magnet: Size, Colors and Text Tips
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The short answer: the best custom bumper stickers and car magnets are short, high-contrast and readable from a few car lengths away. Keep the text under about ten words, pick strong color contrast, and check the result at a small size before you order. In our Custom Studio you can pick a design or start blank, add your own text and order a custom magnet or sticker for $13.98.
Start with the size
Knowing the shape helps you write the right amount of text.
| Custom car magnet | Custom bumper sticker | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 10 in wide x 3 in tall | 11 in wide x 3 in tall |
| Material | Weatherproof vinyl with magnetic backing | Water-resistant vinyl with UV-protective laminate |
| Removable | Yes | No, designed to stay |
| Price | $13.98 | $13.98 |
Both are long and short, so one or two lines of text work best. See our guide on magnet vs. sticker if you are not sure which format to pick.
Write short text
- Under ten words. The driver behind you has about three seconds.
- One idea. A single joke, name or message reads better than two.
- Punchline last. The final word is the one people remember.
- Read it out loud. If a friend laughs in three seconds, it works.
Not sure what to say? Our article with 15 funny bumper sticker ideas shows formulas you can borrow.
Choose colors with contrast
Contrast matters more than the exact colors. A few combinations that are easy to read on the road:
- Dark text on a light background (black on white, navy on pale blue).
- Light text on a dark background (white on black, cream on deep red).
- One bright accent on a calm background, for example hot pink on white.
Avoid light text on a light background, or two colors of similar brightness. They blur together from a distance, and thin, small letters fade even more.
Idea starters
| For | Example |
|---|---|
| A new driver | [Name]'s first car |
| The car-karaoke fan | Caution: [Name] is singing |
| A pet lover | [Pet] is my copilot |
| An inside joke | A phrase only your friends or family know |
| A small business | Your business name or tagline |
| A gift | A date or a team name |
Your pre-order checklist
- Is it readable at a glance, even if you look at the preview from across the room?
- Is it under about ten words?
- Did you check the spelling and punctuation twice?
- Is there strong color contrast between text and background?
- Is the format right: magnet if you want it removable, sticker if you want it permanent?
Because every custom item is printed to order, it is worth checking the preview carefully before you pay.
Common mistakes
- Too much text. Long sentences become tiny and unreadable.
- Low contrast. Pastel on pastel looks nice on screen and disappears on the road.
- Too many ideas at once. Pick one message.
- Spelling errors. Read it aloud before you order.
How the order works
Open the Custom Studio, pick a design or start blank, add your text and check the preview. Then add it to your cart and check out. Production takes 2 to 5 business days and most US orders arrive in 5 to 10 business days. Shipping is free on orders over $35.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a custom bumper sticker or car magnet cost?
A custom design costs $13.98, for either a magnet or a sticker. Ready-made designs are $11.98.
How big is a custom car magnet?
A custom car magnet is 10 inches wide by 3 inches tall. A custom bumper sticker is 11 inches wide by 3 inches tall.
How long does a custom order take?
Each item is printed to order. Production takes 2 to 5 business days and most US orders arrive in 5 to 10 business days.
Can I use a custom design as a gift?
Yes. Enter the recipient's address at checkout, or see our gift ideas for new drivers.
Ready to make yours? Open the Custom Studio.
